References – 2008
Please note: At the conclusion of each hunt, we send hunters a post-hunt questionnaire, and it is from these documents that the quotes below are taken. Hunters are asked, “Regarding your hunt, are you (circle one) not satisfied – satisfied – very satisfied.”?
Listed below are ALL of the post-hunt documents we have received back from our 2008 season hunters to date. Of course, not all hunters return the questionnaires. We get permission from each before we list a name and contact information. Some comments below had no name attached, but they gave us permission to use the comment and we have done so, even though some are unfavorable. Each camp is listed separately. Each list of comments begins with those who were “very satisfied”. Those who were “satisfied” are listed next. Those few who were less-than or “not satisfied” are listed last. In each group, the list is arranged, more or less, in the order in which we received the questionnaires back from the hunters.
Abbreviations used: First = first time hunting here
R = repeat hunter
RR = has hunted here several times
RRR = has hunted here numerous times
Please feel free to contact anyone you see listed here. They have agreed to act as a reference. Please note whether a phone number is d – day or n – night.
HOME CAMP
Very Satisfied
“No improvements required. You have the perfect recipe for success. Great guides, cook and accommodations. Thank you for such an enjoyable hunt and friendship with all personnel. Looking to returning soon.” Bob Miller, Havertown, PA d 610 259-2655, Ext 111; n 610 853-2415; bob@lombardocpa.com (First)
“Very satisfied. Top notch camp and operation. Availability of game was excellent as well as all services provided. Friendly staff and guides. Great food. Just don’t get any better than this.” Ed Temme, Lansdale, PA d 610 703-7865 cell; n 215 393-5934; ejt551@verizon.net (First).
“(no comments offered)” John Newsome Sr.; d 217 821-3216; alotz@simproducts.com (RRR)
“It is what it is – a great place to hunt with the guys. No need to change anything. It was wonderful. They constantly paid attention to your needs. Everyone was polite.” Wulf Heusinger, Allentown, PA ; d/n 610 533-4980; moskinner@hotmail.com (First)
“Outstanding operations and excellent service.” Jake Schmoyer, Chester, NY; d 845 358-4500; n 845 610-3326; jas4@optonline.net (RR)
“Lots of choices. You pick’em. Overall – great experience. Great Camp ! Thanks for paying attention to the details.” George Tate, Clymer, PA d 724 254-4420; n 724 254-2090; geoteti@yourinter.net (First)
“Lots of nice bucks. Great relaxing atmosphere and down-home friends. Was my ‘greatest’ hunting camp experience. I really enjoyed it and am still missing Texas.”
Lemmon Dishong, Commodore, PA 15729; d 724 254-4080; n 724 254-9202; lemmon.dishong@tricountytrans.com (First).
“(Saw) a lot of nice bucks / healthy herd / great potential to harvest a buck of a lifetime. You guys put on a great hunt. It was the best hunting experience of my life. I’ll be back year after year.” John Sars, Prince George, VA; d 804 400-2036; 804 541-0109; classalawn@hotmail.com (First)
“Lots of bucks and does. All were great looking deer. You guys go the extra mile. Everything from the food, care of meat, photos, guides, etc. is first class. I wish I was still there hunting. Thank you for the great experience. I can’t wait to come back”
Travis Rawe, Riverbank, CA d 209 522-1493; n 209 505-4189; rawe24@sbcglobal.net (First)
“Best time had hunting for a reasonable price, anywhere, anytime. Can’t beat the companionship with other hunters and guides from other parts of the country.” Hunter Biehl, Wyomissing, PA d 610 678-1232; huntereb@comcast.net (RR)
“(Saw) 20-30 head each day. Lots of personal attention.” Carl Ballantyne, Modesto, CA d 209 527-4858; n 209 572-1310; carlb@engineeringinc.com (First)
“Saw more 8 pointers than I have seen in PA in 20 years. One of the best hunts I’ve been on.” Walt Wilken, Elizabethtown, PA d/n 717 367-0885 (First)
“This is what Texas whitetail hunting is all about. Great service, great people, abundant game, good food … When can I come back??” Dale Shelley, Green Sea, SC d/n 843 997-2399; dale.shelley@yahoo.com; auctioneerdale@yahoo.com (RR)
“Comments don’t do justice to the good times of living this hunt. Good food, Great guides, care of game, saw lot of deer and turkey. Nice camp atmosphere.” Matt Shubert, Zionsville, PA d/n 215 679-9335; shuberts@mbctv.com
“(no comments offered)” Jimmy Nealey, Loris, SC d 843 716-6140; n 843 756-2394; (First)
“(I would recommend this hunt because) they would see lots of deer and other game and get a chance at a real nice one. Accommodations are excellent and the atmosphere is great. We had an excellent time and would like to come back some day.” Dale Ginder, Manheim, PA d 717 371-4750 (First)
“There is no room for improvement ! Everything is first class. Most fun I ever had on a trip away from home. A LOT OF DEER! Very good guide (Hound Dog Watts). Food was great. When the hunt was over, I had a great time sitting around the camp fire playing some bluegrass music with Skipper and Larry. Can’t wait till next time.” Jamie Todd, Tabor City, NC d 910 653-3020; jamestodd@embarqmail.com (First)
“(I would recommend this hunt) in a heartbeat. This was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had as a hunter.” Fred Avalos, Corona, CA d/n 626 201-8879; mlavalosrn@aol.com (First)
“The hunt was more than expected. Over 4 days, I saw more bucks and does than I expected. The quantity and quality of deer I saw was more than I had anticipated. I had to keep my head on a swivel because they were coming from every direction. If you want to get a case of buck fever, this is the place to get it. I look forward to returning for years to come. Don’t change anything.” John Romine, Oklahoma City, OK d 405 810-2776; 405 721-7602; john.romine@chk.com (First)
“It was great being with such nice people. You made us feel welcome and part of family. Hard to believe we saw so many deer.” Lloyd Ginder, Manheim, PA and Ridge Manor, FL; (PA) 717 665-3961; (FL) 352 583-3971; lngetro@peoplepc.com (First)
“(Game seen) Excellent.” Frank Kollar, Crozet, VA d/n 434 823 8181; frankkollar@earthlink.net (First)
“Lots of bucks and does 120-130. Best time a person could have.” John Wright, Alvin, TX d/n 832 721-2311; rowdyrebel78@gmail.com (RR)
“Keep doing what you do. Great deer, great times and Texas feels like I’m coming home.” Tom Biehl, Fleetwood, PA d 610 683-6333; pbflower@ptd.net (RRR)
“Cost is always a concern but you guys offer plenty of choices. (I would recommend this hunt) because I had such a good time I would want them to experience that.” Jimmy Morris, Montpelier, VA d 804 240-7501; n 804 883-6657; jmorris@stylecrafthomes.com (First)
“Got exactly what I expected and then some.” Tony Wright, Loris, SC; d 843 907-2062; n 843 756-8055; nyccpw2004@hotmail.com (First)
“Saw multiple shooter bucks (4 ½ yrs and older) that I could have taken if I was rifle hunting. However, with the archery tackle, I could not close the deal.----You have a wonderful place. So much potential to take that once-in-a-lifetime trophy. I hope to hunt with you for many years to come.” Tom Dade, Katy, TX d 281 253-0092; j_thomas_dade@ hotmail.com (RR)
“Quality hunt / quality staff.” Ed McFarland, Anderson, SC; d/n 864 964-9156; elmcfarland@bellsouth.net (RR)
“Plenty of deer; plenty of bucks. Been going there over 10years now.” Bill Knapp, Wethersfield, CT ; d/n 860 529-7050; Bwana91@aol.com (RRR)
“Plenty of bucks and does. After 10 consecutive years, I just can’t imagine it being any better. Outstanding service offered at camp and in the field by competent and friendly staff. Many, many animals to select from.” Ray Reynolds, Wethersfield, CT d 860 529-8774; rjreynoldssr@att.net (RRR)
“(Saw) average deer – great bob cat. Excellent hunting experience ! Friendly guides. Plenty of wildlife and great trophy whitetails. Plenty of great food.” Kyle M. Fields, Allentown, PA d 610 739-2870; n 610 432-1249; kylemfields@gmail.com (RR)
“It was a truly rewarding experience with great people.” Jason Stone, Lafayette, LA; d/n 337 804-2650; Jason@quti.org; (First)
“Don’t change anything. I’ve never seen so many quality deer. The staff is outstanding and the food is excellent. What a combo!!!” Wayne Schantz, Round Rock, TX d 516 655-9934; fencemanlevit@yahoo.com (RRR)
“Everything was 1st Class. Would not change anything. Quantity / quality of game. Great food, great camp environment.” Bryan Freeman, Lake Charles, LA d 337 912—664; n 337 855-9388; bfreeman@lottcontractors.com (First)
“Lots of bucks, from buttons to mature. First class operation, lots of game, no hidden cost. Free range hunting. Great staff, feel like part of crew from home!” Reyn Watson, Green Sea, SC; d 843 385-3194; n 843 756-4220; hcfr70@yahoo.com (RR)
“Lots more bucks than does. This hunt is fun, see lots of deer. I know if I send someone to Adobe, they will see good deer and be treated with respect and have fun.” Carroll Lineberger, Jr., Crouse, NC; d 828 478-2651; n 704 748-9867; terrellcampingjr@charter.net (RR)
“Strictly speaking, the deer quality was the best I’ve experienced in the four years coming. It is hard to improve on perfection.” Marvin Rogers, East Hampton, CT d 860 558-7077; n 860 267-0892; rogersma2@yahoo.com (RRR)
“I saw lots of bucks – not as many does. No turkeys ??? or bobcats. (I would recommend this hunt because) The number of bucks and the service and morale of the camp.” Warren Widmyer, Orange, VA; d 540 672-1685 (RRR)
“Great experience, exceptional quantity / quality of game. Saw 60+ bucks in four days of hunting. Highlight of my hunting season and I hunt 50 or more days in four states.” H.B. Lantz, Jr., Basye, VA d/n 540 856-2452; hlantz4446@gmail.com (RRR)
“I always have a great time. The guides, cook, and skinner are terrific.” Tammy Toombs, San Antonio, TX d 210 269-9979; tammytoombs@teamsurgicalassist.com (RR)
“(game collected) just does – missed my trophy this year – that’s hunting. Saw a lot of small bucks and broken antlers. (I would recommend this hunt because) it’s a great time – not just the hunt but the people make it the best. Good food, good laughs.” Roy Schantz, Greentown, PA n 570 857-1068; pohunter2@aol.com (RR)
“(No comments offered)” Jesse Wooten, Frostproof, FL n 863 635-6459 (First)
“(I would recommend this hunt) because of the personnel. They make you feel like family. Food great. Great hunting atmosphere. Good entertainment.” Carroll Lineberger, Sr. d/n 704 614-9195 (RR)
“Great experience, lots of deer, good deer with possible monster.” Robert Maguire, Bremerton, WA d 360 373-4391; ramaguire@msn.com (First)
“(Saw) total of 60 or 70 bucks, mostly 8 pts. Lots of turkeys.” Lily Maguire, Bremerton, WA d/n 360 373-4391; ramaguire@msn.com (First)
“I passed on at least six 10 pt. bucks prior to harvesting my buck. Best quality herd since coming to Adobe. What a great hunt. It’s hard to believe that these hunts could get better each year, but they do. You have a great camp with exceptional guides and great accommodations.” Mike Rogers, Wakefield, RI; d 401 832-9037; n 401 862-5799; michael.a.rogers1@navy.mil (RRR)
“Good buck to doe ratio. (I would recommend this hunt because) you see a lot of game and you will get a chance at a buck.” Colin Krevel, Clymer, PA d/n 814 952-0089; clkrevel21@live.com (First)
“(I would recommend this hunt because) 1. The staff can’t be beat. 2. Game is plentiful. 3. No high fence, no high pressure.” Bruce Dennington, Ft. Myers, FL d 239 218-2991; denninba@yahoo.com (RR)
“Don’t change anything. We consider the camp and hunt as good as it gets. For the 2nd year straight, we had an amazing time. This is the highlight of our year. The camp, game, food everything is just as it should be. Our good friends at Adobe Lodge go above and beyond to make our yearly trip more than just a hunt. Proof that everything in Texas is bigger and better.” Craig Boehler, Amsterdam, NY d 518 842-6303; n 518 212-6503; cbboehler@aol.com (RR)
“As always, many racked bucks. It just never ceases to amaze me how many bucks the ranches carry. If you just like to sit and watch game (or photograph), it is still a great time.” JimMousseau, Conifer, CO d/n 303 902 9891; jpmousseau@msn.com (RR)
Satisfied
“(regarding quality/quantity of game) Fair. Had a good time.” Kenneth Klein, Shrewsbury, PA d/n 717 235-7686; retffpar@aol.com (First)
“(regarding the quantity/quality of game seen) 45 deer, avg. 100-120 on bucks. Thanks, Skipper, good time had by all.” Michael Younes, Lancaster, PA d 717 887-5673; younes.mike@gmail.com (First)
“Great people, lots of nice animals.” Eric Knapp, Wethersfield, CT d 860 563-5007 (RRR)
“Your services are great and the personnel are very good people.” Chuck Krevel, Clymer, PA 814 241-7379; (First)
“(Took) nothing this time. Very few compared to past years. Great camp, great service, best personnel of any we have hunted. Six years coming back tells it all.” Bob Booth, Seaford, DE d 302 629-9139; 302 629-9421; bbooth9164@aol.com (RRR)
Less Than Satisfied
“Seemed like camp was a little unorganized from my guide standpoint – taken to a blind we couldn’t even hunt from. Did not see the deer I expected in size or quality. Will probably explore some other hunts next year. Premium price but it just didn’t seem as good as last year. Overall deer quality of entire camp was nothing to talk about.” Jeff Artley, Fredericksburg, PA d 717 379-1610; n 717 861-4382; jpartley@comcast.net
McMANUS CAMP
Very Satisfied
“Lots of big bucks every sitting. You run a 1st class operation. The food, the game, the people, and the fun.” Randy Webb, Ahoskie, NC; d/n 252 642-2216; amandawebb@wildblue.net (First)
“Saw 18 buck, 10 doe – no monsters. But some good, solid bucks. Noswhere else will you see more buck. Good chance of a deer in the 130-140 category.” Tim Miller Carlisle, PA tandcmiller@pa.net (RR)
“I saw 7 or 8 ten pts. Everything was great; keep it just like it is. Best hunt I ever had.” Bob Putt, Mt. Holly Springs, PA d/n 717 486-4738 (RR)
“Saw a lot of good bucks and a lot of turkeys. I saw a lot of game. The service was great. I had a very good time.” Ed Blemler, Boiling Springs, PA d/n 717 258-6207 (First)
“No improvement needed. Best hunt ever had.” Glenn Wise, Carlisle, PA d/n 717 243-0069 (RRR)
“I have gotten at least ten hunters to take the Texas trip with me. All are satisfied hunters.” John Hubschmidt, Bridgeton, NJ d 856 451-6189; hublandfarm@aol.com (RRR)
“If you can wait, you will see a big rack sooner or later. Very safety conscious.” Oscar Simkins, Elmer, NJ d/n 856 358-2971; pb.simkins@gmail.com (RR)
“Lots of deer and very nice bucks. Keep as is.” Richard Bell, Bridgeton, NJ d/n 856 451-3640 (First)
“(Saw) very nice racks and lots of them. It’s an honest, quality hunt.” Chris Webb, MacClesfield, NC d/n 252 827-5780; bigchriswebb@yahoo.com (First)
“Outstanding place to hunt. The hunting at Adobe Lodge never ceases to amaze me. Quantity and quality of deer is by far the best I can count on every year. Keep up the good work and looking forward to returning in ’09.” Alan McKeithen, Riverside, CA; d/n 951 689-0847; ramsafety@earthlink.net (RRR)
“(I took) a 10 pt. and 13 pt. Very good bucks. A lot of nice 8 pt. for 09.” Frank Harris, Millersburg, PA d 717 692-5429; n 717 692-4454 (RRR)
“After 10 or more years, it doesn’t get any better.” Conrad Miller, Millersburg, PA d 717 692-2994 (RRR)
“(I would recommend this hunt because) They would see a lot of quality deer.” Ellsworth Harris, Elmer, NJ d 856 358-8557 (RR)
Satisfied
Less Than Satisfied
“(Regarding quantity/quality of game seen) Low in each but weather was warm, windy, full moon. (Regarding suggested improvements) Give hunter certain options such as being able to sit on stand all day if desired and let hunters decide among themselves what stands they want. Increase the amount of corn. I liked the country and I liked Beaver McManus and Mario, the skinner.” This hunter did not want to be a reference, but indicated he did not care if we used his comments.
MUSTANG RANCH CAMP
Very Satisfied
“Abundant amount of deer / good quality. Good friends / nice time in camp / excellent hunt.” Frank Restuccio, Hammonton, NJ d/n 609 561-4722; (First)
“Very accommodating.” Ross Restuccio, Hammonton, NJ d 609 517-6821; 609 561-8984; sjwell@verizon.net
“(Saw) quite a few good bucks.” Don Wilson, Carthage, TX d 903 754-2020; don.wilson@wilson-instruments.com (RR)
“(I would recommend this hunt because) Overall quality of the facilities and opportunities. Great people. The number and quality of bucks was probably impacted by the dry weather.” Art St. John, Westminster, CO d 303 986-8200; 303 940-1648; art3006@outdrs.net (RRR)
“Ben runs a quality hunt that is a lot of fun.” Mike Anderson, Richardson, TX d 972 699-7601; mobile 214 906-6474; fishhawktx@att.net (RR)
“I was very pleased with the huge does and 9 point buck I took. I saw loads of very good deer as well as turkey. The game speaks for itself, but the time spent with my guide Mike was second to none. The accommodations were great and only out-done by the food served by Ben Jr. and the time spent visiting with all.” John Furlow, Jr., Tatum, TX;
D 903 390-0433; n 903 836-2797; camty@eastex.net (First)
“Multiple bucks, does, turkeys. (Regarding improvements) Can’t think of any.” Travis Wilson, Carthage, TX d 902 399-9508; travistransam@yahoo.com (RR)
Satisfied
Less Than Satisfied
HATFIELD CAMP
Very Satisfied
“Very relaxing and well run. Felt like family – no pressure to shoot. Could have stayed another week.” Mike Barrett, Winchester, VA mike@barrettmachine.com (First)
“(Game seen) Good (not in rut). Saw lots of does and smaller bucks. Would imagine that during the rut things change.” Tom Shelhamer, Martinsburg, WV d 540 336-0634 (First)
“I had an awesome time – never seen so many deer in one place in my life, and I’ve been hunting them since I was 12. Awesome country, too.” James Fitzgerald, Clear Brook, VA d 540 665-2517 x 337; n 540 974-7907; james.fitzgerald@osul.com (First)
“(I would recommend this hunt because) of the quality of trophy I seen.” John Tabler, Martinsburg, WV d 304 671-0278; n 304 267-6529; (First)
Satisfied
Less Than Satisfied
BAR H CAMP
Very Satisfied
“(Saw) many 120-130 class bucks. Saw 20-30 deer a day. (I would recommend this hunt) because it is a real hunt with great people that work hard to help you find the buck you want. The hunt is full of genuine attitude and a great break from day-to-day routine. I guarantee there are many 140 class bucks at this ranch – just have to hunt for them.” Russell White, Cypress, TX d 281 731-0127; russellt@cottonteam.com (First)
“No shortage of quality animals. Can’t think of anything I would change. Perhaps a photo album showing all the hunts to give guests perspective.” Jay Warwick, Cypress, TX d 281 455-1020; warwicj@gmail.com (First)
“Good quantity and quality was good, as well. The hospitality was outstanding along with a very good chance to shoot a trophy buck. I saw a lot of good young bucks.” Lamar White, Houston, TX cell 713 875-5506; lamarw@cottonteam.com (First)
“(Game collected) Very Good. (Game seen) saw a lot of animals. (Improvements needed) I can’t really think of anything off hand, everything was very good. (I would recommend this hunt) Because I enjoyed myself very much, and enjoyed all the friendly people.” James Morton, Laton, CA d/n 559 707-9141 (First)
“It was perfect for me. I wouldn’t change a thing. (I would recommend this hunt because) Good people. Coming from California I have never met people nicer than Bob, Joe and the crew at the Bar H. Good amount of game plus good quality also.” Ryan Boucher, Kingsburg, CA d/n 559 707 3058; rboucher21@hotmail.com (First)
Satisfied
Less Than Satisfied
WEATHER ROCK CAMP
Very Satisfied
“As far as Weather Rock, it exceeded my expectations. Everything was handled from start to finish and the hunt was super.” Claude Leslie, Apopka, FL; cleslieretired2005@yahoo.com (First)
Satisfied
Less than Satisfied
NO-FRILLS HUNT
“Having access to hunt the Bill Black ranch was a fun and an enjoyable hunting experience. I didn’t take long – after Bill’s orientation – to start seeing deer(some very heavy bodied bucks with nice antlers). The second day of the hunt, I saw a nice one an decided “that’s the one”. Bill Foerster, Texas william.foerster@gmail.com